Physical Education
Physical Education is designed to develop pupils' physical fitness and abilities, as well as their understanding of health and wellness. It is a crucial component of the school curriculum and promoting active lifestyles.
Here at Alexander McLeod Primary School, PE is taught by teachers, gymnasts and specialist outdoor practitioners who have received specialized training in teaching physical fitness and skills. The classes may take place in a gymnasium or on a playground, but will always promote the safety and progress of your children.
The curriculum for PE covers a range of physical activities, including individual and team sports, dance, gymnastics, and games that promote teamwork and cooperation. Pupils are encouraged to participate in physical activities that challenge them and promote healthy competition. The lessons also emphasize the importance of healthy habits and good nutrition for overall wellness.
By participating in PE, our pupils develop important physical skills, such as coordination, balance, and endurance. They also learn about teamwork, cooperation, and fair play, skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. The PE curriculum is an essential component of a well-rounded education and lays the foundation for a lifetime of physical activity and healthy habits.
Swimming
Learning to swim in primary school is an important and enjoyable experience for many children. At this age, children are generally around 6 to 11 years old and are at a great stage in their physical and cognitive development to start learning this important life skill.
Here, our pupils typically learn the basics of swimming such as floating, kicking, and arm movements. They may start with simple activities in the shallow end of the pool, working their way up to swimming laps and diving. Safety is always a top priority and children are taught important rules such as never swimming alone, listening to the teacher, and knowing how to get out of the pool quickly in case of an emergency.
In addition to developing their physical abilities, swimming lessons also help children build confidence and self-esteem. Overcoming their fear of the water and learning a new skill can be a proud moment for young children, and they may even find a new passion for the sport. Overall, learning to swim in primary school is a valuable experience that lays the foundation for a lifelong love of swimming and a strong sense of safety in and around water.
Forest School
Forest School is a unique approach to learning that was developed in the early 1990s in Scandinavia and has since gained popularity around the world, including in primary schools. This approach emphasizes the importance of hands-on, experiential learning in a natural setting, with an emphasis on play and exploration.
In a Forest School setting, children are encouraged to take risks, solve problems, and develop their confidence and self-esteem through activities such as building shelters, lighting fires, and exploring their natural surroundings. The Forest School curriculum is designed to be flexible and responsive to the needs and interests of the children, with the goal of fostering their love of learning and their connection to the natural world.
Our Forest School sessions take place in Bostall Woods and our school grounds on a regular basis for Reception, and for 6 weeks per year between years 1 to 6, and are led by a trained Forest School practitioner. Children are dressed appropriately for the weather and are given the freedom to explore and play in a safe and supportive environment.
In summary, Forest School is a unique and enriching educational experience for primary school children that combines hands-on learning, play, and exploration in a natural setting, and that helps children to develop important skills such as problem-solving, confidence, and self-esteem.
Pupil voice
Yuna (Year 5) - I wish PE happened even more than twice a week – I learn and develop so much! We warm up with a fun game, and then we do stretches. Then it’s our main lesson where we practise skills, and then we have a match at the end.
Oscar (Year 3) – PE is challenging so I feel I need to get myself ready. We warm up before the teacher introduces our lesson and then we get challenged throughout the lesson. The teacher points out the good examples and gets them to model their performance for the class so that we can all develop!
Max (Year 6) – I know that I have got better at PE because I got to compete for the School teams when they started up again. I love that PE helps me get ready for Sports Day, where my parents can watch my abilities and be proud of my achievement.
The school provides the pupils with opportunities to develop their physical fitness, confidence and literacy through a multi-faceted programme of learning and extra-curricular activities.
Meet the Leader
Hey! I am Mr Lewis; a passionate and enthusiastic teacher who has been dedicated to promoting physical activity and a healthy lifestyle among our students.
I am a qualified and knowledgeable professional who has a Bachelor's degree in Primary Education with an advanced subject study in Physical Education. As PE subject lead, I am responsible for designing and implementing the school's PE curriculum, ensuring that all students have access to a range of physical activities that cater to their abilities and interests. I fervently believe that physical activity is essential for a child's overall development and wellbeing. I encourage pupils to participate in extracurricular sports activities, such as football, netball, and athletics, and have coached school sports teams. I like to believe that my enthusiasm for sport and learning in general is contagious.
For any questions about PE and school sport, please don’t hesitate to approach me for a conversation on the playground, or arrange a meeting with me via the school office!
